TOKYO – Several major Japanese convenience store chains are now offering food delivery services to the elderly and others who can’t get to a store, Nippon.com reports. Convenience stores in this country provide a wide range of services—from paper clips and ATMs to ticket purchases and postage stamps—in addition to food and other items.

The system utilizes thegoyokiki service, once popular with general stores, that has the delivery person inquire about the next order when making a delivery. While some food delivery companies already existed in Japan, 7-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson have all started their own services.

FamilyMart has Takuhai Cook 123, which runs nearly year-round and doesn’t charge for delivery. Lawson has partnered with Sagawa Express, while 7-Eleven has joined with Yamato Transport to deliver its 7-Eleven Meal Service.

“As Japan continues to age, the word kaimono nanmin [shopping refugees] has emerged to describe the many elderly people who are unable to easily travel to their nearest convenience store,” said Suzuki Toshifumi, chairman and CEO of Seven & I Holdings. “In the middle of this change in the social environment, there is a greater need to go out to customers, instead of just waiting for them to come to stores.”

Japanese convenience stores are also offering pick up services. The service allows online shoppers to select a store to have their order delivered.